ILittle
is known of the early history of
Cambodia, although there is evidence of
habitation in parts of the country as
far back as 4000BC. Much of Cambodia is
strewn with staggering artifacts of the
dynasty that ruled throughout the 12th
and early 13th centuries, based at the
famous temple complex of Angkor Wat.
These temples are regarded as some of
the most astounding architectural
creations worldwide. Large and intricate
balustrades, pillars and causeways loom
out of surrounding jungle. Yet these
monuments are also a wistful chronicle
of Cambodia's comparable fall into ruin:
by the end of the
15th century, Angkor had been abandoned.